It is easy to get lost in a flood of numbers and abbreviations when choosing a laptop. The truth is that for most people only a few things really matter. Once you understand them, you will make a sensible choice and not overpay for things you never use.

First decide what you need it for

A student taking notes and browsing needs a different laptop than an accountant, a graphic designer or a gamer. Start with what you will actually use the laptop for and choose accordingly. There is no point overpaying for performance you will never use, nor buying an underpowered machine that will hold you back.

What really matters

  • Processor (CPU) determines overall performance. For everyday work a mid-range chip is enough; for more demanding tasks (video editing, gaming, development) you need something more powerful.
  • Memory (RAM) - today’s minimum for smooth work is 16 GB. With 8 GB you will already struggle once several windows are open. Note: in many thin laptops the RAM is now soldered in and cannot be upgraded later, so it is better to choose enough memory right at purchase.
  • Drive (SSD) is a given these days. A slow traditional hard drive (HDD) in a new laptop is a warning sign. Aim for at least 512 GB.
  • Display - a quality panel (IPS, at least Full HD resolution) is something your eyes will appreciate every day. A matte finish reflects less, higher brightness helps when working outdoors, and an increasingly affordable OLED offers the nicest picture.
  • Battery life and weight - important if you carry the laptop with you.

Do not buy on price alone

The cheapest laptop is often a false economy. A weak processor, 8 GB of RAM and a slow drive mean the machine will be slow from the start and almost unusable after a year. On the other hand, there is no need to overpay for premium models if you will not use what they offer. It is all about a sensible balance based on your needs.

We will advise you and build it for you

If you would rather not dig through it all yourself, we will help you choose a laptop exactly according to what you need it for and how much you want to invest. And if you are after a desktop computer, we will build one tailored to you. Get in touch and we will choose together.